New Trail in Del Norte County in Ancestral Territory of Tolowa People and Renaming of Peacock Bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Story and photos from: Emily Reed, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation
 Representatives of the multiple partners involved in the creation of the new Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm Trail.
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation (Nation) and Redwood National and State Parks recently announced the completion of a new trail in Del Norte County, as well as the renaming of Peacock Bar in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
The new trail is named Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm, which translates to "High-Status-Stream/River Trail." The community of Hiouchi lies within Tolowa Dee-ni' ancestral territory. The name Hiouchi is an anglicized version of the Tolowa word Xaa-yuu-chit. The trail is just under 1 mile, beginning in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and ending near the fire station in Hiouchi. Unlike other trails in Redwood and National State Parks, this trail is pet-, bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.
The planning and construction of the Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm Trail was a collaborative effort between State Parks and the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. This trail was the first project of the Nation's newly established Tribal Resources Field Crew. The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation looks forward to future partnerships with local, state and federal agencies and opportunities for the field crew to implement projects in its ancestral territory.
Redwood National and State Parks and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation also collaborated to rename Peacock Bar. In 2019, the Governor of California established the Truth and Healing Council in an effort to reexamine the historical relationship between the State and Indigenous People. As a result, on Sept. 25, 2020, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin announced a series of actions to identify and redress discriminatory names of features attached to the state park and transportation systems. With the support of local organizations such as True North Organizing Network, the Nation and State Parks are installing new signage to acknowledge the original Tolowa name of Peacock Bar, See-tr’ee-ghin-dvm-dvn. See-tr’ee-ghin-dvm-dvn translates to "at the stones where the trail descends downward."
See-tr’ee-ghin-dvm-dvn is a well-known day-use area in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Tolowa people inhabited three villages: See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm, Mvn-sray-me' and Datlh-t’uu-k'wvt, along this landscape. These villages were in an area known for some of where the largest redwoods in Del Norte County were later fallen; those trees were also roosting places of the Pacific Northwest condor.
In the 1850s, a man by the name of George Peacock immigrated to the area and took over the village of See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm. Mr. Peacock gained control of the critical Smith River ferry crossing and attempted to evict the Tolowa families who inhabited See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm; when the Tolowa refused to leave, they were executed and their orphaned children were kept as indentured servants. The acknowledgement and use of the original name for the site, See-tr’ee-ghin-dvm-dvn, reflects the first inhabitants, the Tolowa Dee-ni' and a first step in correcting the historical narrative.
To learn more about the department's efforts on Reexamining Our Past, visit this link.
 Up-close look at the sign for the new Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm Trail.
 Sign installed after renaming of Peacock Bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Left to right: RNSP Superintendent Steve Mietz, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Public Relations Manager Emily Reed, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Cynthia Ford, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Council Member Jaytuk Steinruck and RNSP Deputy Superintendent Erin Gates.
Special Live Stream on Off-Highway Vehicle Reaction Set for Saturday, November 19
Story and photo from: Parker Stewart, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 Join the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s outreach and education team this Saturday, November 19, at 11 a.m. on the California State Park’s Facebook page for a live stream from Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) on off-highway vehicle safety for this upcoming holiday season.
Like all parks during the holiday season, it is a very busy time for SVRAs in Southern California. Increase visitation means that we must get the word out about safety and resource protection to make sure everyone has a fun and safe ride. The outreach team will be teaming up with law enforcement and natural resource staff to talk about what they (the public) can do and what they need to know before visiting our parks.
Be sure to watch, and we hope to see some of you there! Ride Safely California, and remember safe riding starts with you.
State Parks Seasonal Lifeguard Receives Lifesaving Award
Story from: Rich Preston, Gold Fields District
 Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith (left) presenting State Park Seasonal Lifeguard I Brady Bennigson with the PLEA Award for Lifesaving. Photo from Todd Olson, Image Outfitters Photography.
State Park Seasonal Lifeguard I Brady Bennigson received on November 3, the Placer County Law Enforcement Agencies (PLEA) Award for Lifesaving. The award was presented to Brady by Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith. The award is a commendation for an extraordinary lifesaving effort.
Brady received this commendation for his actions on July 17, 2021, when he, along with other Folsom Sector units, responded to a suspected overdose at Nimbus Flat Day-Use Area. Personnel on scene also included Supervising Ranger Scott Modeste, Ranger Greg Pielenz, Seasonal Lifeguard II Tess Bratkovich and rookie Seasonal Lifeguard I Will Pike.
While Supervising Ranger Modeste and Ranger Pielinz managed crowd control, the three seasonal lifeguards began assessing the victim and providing lifesaving measures. It was discovered the victim's relative was in possession of NARCAN (medication used to treat possible opioid overdose) but was unprepared and untrained to administer. Taking the initiative, Brady explained to Sgt. Modeste he was trained in administering NARCAN via an auto-injector. Brady administered the NARCAN and continued treating the patient per department protocols. After approximately 90 seconds following the administration of the NARCAN, the victim regained consciousness.
Fire and medical personnel arrived on scene and took over patient care. The fire captain on scene gave Brady high accolades for initiating the use of NARCAN and providing other lifesaving measures. The fire captain commented on scene that the victim would have deteriorated further or died had it not been for Brady's actions.
As a 17-year-old seasonal lifeguard, Brady Bennigson performed at the highest level of public service. His ability to multitask and handle a great level of stress and responsibility was well beyond his years. Brady did not back down in the face of adversity and rose to the occasion to manage this life-and-death emergency calmly and effectively, providing the victim the best outcome possible.
 Top: District Superintendent Smith congratulating Bennigson (right). Bottom: Supervising Lifeguard Ryan Steele (second from right) and Lifeguard Haden McDaniel (third from right) participating in PLEA Honor Guard. Photos from Todd Olson, Image Outfitters Photography.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Celebrates 150 Years
Story from: Julie Barrow, Santa Cruz District
 Director Armando Quintero and State Senator Josh Becker at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse anniversary event. Photo from Armando Quintero, State Parks.
California State Parks partnered with Coastside State Parks Association on Saturday, November 12, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Tied for the tallest tower on the West Coast, this 115-foot tall structure has been guiding ships along California’s treacherous coast since it was first lit on Nov. 15, 1872. An estimated 5,000 visitors joined in the many great activities going on throughout the event day.
The celebration began with opening remarks by State Parks Director Armando Quintero. State Assemblymember Marc Berman and State Senator Josh Becker also joined the festivities.
In his remarks, Director Quintero announced that the invitation-only bid process has opened for the more than $18 million tower restoration project. Restoration work will include strengthening and stabilizing the top portion of the tower; repairing the lantern room window system, cast iron galleries and roof; refinishing the stairs and railings; and repairing exterior and interior walls, windows and doors. A separate project is being developed to restore the original pedestal for the Fresnel lens and return the lens to the lantern room.
A highlight of the day was the Lighthouse Luminaries panel, moderated by maritime historian and author JoAnn Semones. The standing-room-only discussion brought together people with strong personal connections to the lighthouse, including:
- Bob Davis, great-nephew of Assistant Keeper Jesse Mygrants, the longest serving lighthouse keeper at Pigeon Point, serving from 1924 to 1941. He shared stories about prohibition activities.
- D'Ann Burns, lost her grandmother, Mrs. Willie Jasmine Brown, aboard the passenger steamer San Juanin 1929. It was Pigeon Point's worst maritime disaster. Seventy-five men, women and children perished in the wreck.
- James "Bud" Stevens, United States Coast Guard (USCG) keeper from 1953 to 1954. He found remnants of the wrecked BARC 1, an experimental amphibious craft on the beach. Three crew drowned.
- Jerry Jolley, USCG keeper from 1973 to 1974. He was the last keeper to serve at Pigeon Point. He closed the tower for automation. His paint-stained work jacket is on display in the fog signal building.
After the panel discussion, each luminary was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their willingness to share their experiences at Pigeon Point. Later, JoAnn Semones and fellow author Frank Perry were available to sign copies of the books they have written about the history of Pigeon Point.
Over the course of the day, visitors could also listen to live music provided by the Lighthouse String Band and the Half Moon Bay High School Jazz Band. A food truck provided great Oaxacan food for folks to enjoy while listening to the bands. There were information booths sponsored by more than a dozen organizations that provided an opportunity to learn more about the cultural and natural history of the area. Kinetic Steam Works brought a vintage printing press to print commemorative anniversary posters for everyone to mark the day.
Children were encouraged to get an anniversary passport stamped at each booth. Upon completion, they could color and make their own souvenir button. Mid-afternoon, children also watched a puppet show performed by Exploring New Horizons, an outdoor educational program that uses Pigeon Point hostel as one of their “base camps.”
The Half Moon Bay State Beach native plant nursery did a booming business with its plant sale with proceeds supporting the nursery. The park store did a booming business with commemorative merchandise and had a record-breaking day of sales. Revenues support the state parks along the San Mateo County coast.
Throughout the day, special sneak-peek tours into the ground floor of the lighthouse were offered. Guides discussed the importance of the lighthouse to California’s maritime history and the latest on the upcoming restoration project.
The day closed with a special evening lighting of the first order Fresnel lens in its current location in the fog signal building museum. As the sun set and the room darkened, guests were able to see the 24 beams of light around the museum walls to get a sense of what it was like when the lens was at the top of the tower.
With the tower restoration project on the horizon, this may be the last anniversary celebration until the work is complete. It was a day to remember!
 Top left: The first order Fresnel lens on display for the evening lighting. Top right: Director Armando Quintero and Julie Barrow from Santa Cruz District welcome State Assemblymember Marc Berman. Bottom: The Lighthouse Luminaries panel. Photos from Avis Boutell, Santa Cruz District.
 Left: Senator Becker (left) and Deputy Superintendent Jordan Burgess. Right: Assemblymember Berman (left) and Director Quintero. Photos from Armando Quintero, State Parks.
Forebay Aquatic Center Enjoys Successful 2022 Season
Story from: Jared Zucker, Northern Buttes District
 Youth paddling at the Forebay Aquatic Center on the Thermolito Forebay of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Photo from Forebay Aquatic Center.
The Forebay Aquatic Center, which operates on the Thermalito Forebay of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, concluded a successful 2022 season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), providing water-based education and recreation to the Oroville community and beyond. The aquatic center offers programming through a partnership agreement with Feather River Center LLC, and word is getting out about the unique opportunities offered through the center, particularly focused on school groups.
Some of the season highlights include:
- Nine weeks of aquatic safety camps serving 178 youth.
- School field trips reaching 3,656 students from five counties and 12 school districts with an emphasis in water and boating safety.
- Five moonlight paddle tours.
- Three school campouts.
- Three community events (a movie night, film festival, veterans’ celebration).
- Adaptive/Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 youth and adult programs reaching 85 students.
California State Parks’ partnership with the Feather River Center exemplifies the important role these entities plan in providing community-relevant programs through state park facilities that may otherwise not be offered to the same standard and reach. We look forward to continuing our partnership success and expanding engagement on the water in the new year.
Reserve Your Sport-Branded License Plate and Help Support the Outdoors
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Purchasing one of these branded license plates will help support the outdoors.
Do you love football, NASCAR and the outdoors? You can now show your love for all three by purchasing sports team-branded license plates that allow California drivers to show their team spirit while also supporting access to parks and outdoors spaces. The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and NASCAR are now part the California Natural Resources Agency’s Sports License Plate Program under their Outdoors for All initiative.
Funds from the sale of these plates will help support investments made statewide to expand equitable access to California’s nature, culture and history. The first license plate in the professional-sports series was in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams football team. But now you can also remain “faithful” no matter where you go with the 49ers and NASCAR license plates!
Find more information on how to purchase these branded license plates at the following website:
The revenue will be shared by the California Natural Resources Agency and the sports team’s charitable foundation.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Hosts 'Hill-o-ween'
Story from: Elizabeth Gutberlet, Diablo Range District
 An action shot of the pit bike races on Saturday evening, October 29. Photo from Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District.
The Carnegie Classic “Hill-o-ween" edition, hosted by Elevated Action Sports, took place during Halloween weekend at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). There was a great turnout of family and friends enjoying the race to the top.
The pros put on a show on October 29, and got very competitive during the side-by-side races. Saturday night started off with a costume contest followed by pit bikes races, which are always a blast to watch.
On October 30, family and friends rooted for the amateur races. We love that little kids are included, and everyone pitches in to help get the kids up and down the hill—it’s quite a feat! Carnegie SVRA staff were able to support the hill climb event by offering free pumpkin carvings for visitors. This popular activity would not have been possible without the pumpkin donation, courtesy of Van Groningen and Sons Inc. out of Manteca, California. By Sunday morning, over 100 pumpkins had been carved at the booth!
Following the Halloween theme, Carnegie’s interpretive staff was able to educate the public on bats, tarantulas and scorpions. Many children stuck around to enjoy the crafts.
Overall, it was another fun weekend spent with the off-highway motor vehicle community!
 Top: Two pros race side-by-side up to the top of the hill climb area, an exciting event to watch! Bottom left: Pumpkins carved by staff are lined up on stage behind the judges' stand. Bottom middle: Forestry Aide Timothy Hart helps two young riders prepare their pumpkins for carving. Bottom right: Carnegie SVRA's interpretation booth on bats, tarantulas and scorpions. Photos from Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District.
California State Parks Highlighted in 'Landslide,' Listing Threatened Landscapes
Story from Eric Blind, Cultural Resources Division
 The Cultural Landscape Foundation website "Landslide" and its entry dedicated to California State Parks. Click here or above to visit the webpage.
Each year The Cultural Landscape Foundation publishes "Landslide" to draw immediate and lasting attention to threatened cultural landscapes. The multimedia publication and associated traveling exhibition is designed to spark debate, revealing the value of these places and encouraging informed community-based stewardship.
This year’s list presents 12 diverse entries across North America—including parks, parkways and park systems (at a city and state scale), subdivisions and residential enclaves, cultural and religious institutions, and city and regional plans—all designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., the firm he founded and its successor firms spanning more than a century.
Although just released, the New York Times has already covered one of the parks where this publication was successful in sparking debate. Click here to read the article.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation reached out to include California state parks in this edition. They felt the inclusion of California state parks was imperative since over 120 parks of our parks were first proposed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1928. Also, our vast array of parks illustrates the multiple ways these landscapes are impacted by climate change.
More than being recognized for the threats, California was also included for taking a lead in adaptive strategies and community engagement to meet these threats, ensuring these places survive and thrive.
A big thanks goes to State Parks Photo Archivist Rebecca Crowther for searching out and providing the beautiful images that illustrate the "Landslide" entry. Of course, many of those images are from State Parks Photographer Brian Baer. Further thanks to our Historian Kathleen Kennedy, who provided much of the source material for conveying the rich history that went into telling the story of Olmsted Jr. and the role he played in the creation of the California State Park System.
To find out more, visit Landslide 2022: The Olmsted Design Legacy (tclf.org).
Pickering Lumber Company Steam Crane Leaves Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Story from: Mike Ninneman, Central Valley District
 Top left: Pickering No. 2 in process of disassembly. Top right: Pickering No. 2 being moved into position. Volunteers Garrett Franklin (left) and Ken Gilliam. Bottom left: Pickering No. 2 frame being loaded onto truck. Bottom right: Pickering Lumber No. 2 House being lifted off the frame.
Pickering Lumber Corporation No. 2 departed Railtown 1897 State Historic Park this month, concluding its nearly 100-year residence in Tuolumne County. It was built in 1925 by American Hoist and Derrick as No. 2 for the Standard Lumber Company, which once operated several facilities in Sonora and Standard for milling and processing finished lumber. The Standard Lumber Company merged into the Pickering Lumber Company in 1926.
No. 2 is a steam-powered, self-propelled log loader, capable of lifting up to 25 tons and moving other railcars around. Though it was primarily used as a log loader, Pickering No. 2 was adaptable to various other functions. The No. 2 remained in operation until Pickering’s sale to the Fibreboard Corporation in 1965. Fibreboard’s directors were intent on abandoning railroad operations and converting to truck logging, so No. 2 was retired and placed in storage for many years.
By 1971, the crane and a few other pieces of Pickering equipment were moved to Jamestown on the Sierra Railroad for storage. Pickering No. 2 was recently purchased by Chris Baldo, owner of Baldo Locomotive Works, and will be delivered to his shop in Willits, California, for restoration work.
Pickering No. 2 has been a landmark in Jamestown, California, for many years, displayed prominently at the entrance to Railtown 1897 for much of its recent history. No. 2 is one of the last reminders of the critical role that the Pickering Lumber Company and the logging industry as a whole once played in shaping Tuolumne County. Even today, nearly 60 years after the Pickering Lumber Corporation faded into history, the old “Pick and Ring” logo still holds meaning to the families of those who worked in the woods.
Pickering No. 2 will be well cared for in Willits by Chris Baldo and his restoration crew.
 Top left: Western Railway Museum Collection photo. Pickering Crane on the Peeled Onion, near Beardsley Dam, April 14, 1962. Top right: Pickering Lumber Company logo, Railtown 1897 photo. Bottom: Western Railway Museum Collection photo. Pickering Lumber Corp. No. 2 at Camp Grohl.
Rare Birds Sighted at Asilomar State Beach
Story from: Robert Christopher Egan, Orange Coast District
 A Nelson’s sparrow (top) and snow bunting (bottom) forage amid the beach wrack on Asilomar State Beach.
This past weekend, Asilomar State Beach hosted two very rare and unexpected avian visitors. Much to the delight of throngs of bird-watchers, a snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) and a Nelson’s sparrow (Ammospiza nelson) were both found foraging among the beach wrack (resource-rich microhabitat) on the busy state beach. Both bird species are very rare birds for Monterey County, and their presence has inspired hundreds of bird-watchers to trek to this scenic Monterey beach to get a look at these birds foraging in the beach wrack.
The snow bunting is a bird just a little bit larger than a sparrow that breeds in the arctic tundra. The nonbreeding range of this bird is concentrated in the northern states and much of Canada. It is uncommon for the birds to occur south of the Oregon border. The snow bunting has many plumage variations throughout the year, and it is believed the bird present at Asilomar was a male in its nonbreeding plumage. It is possible that this is the fourth record of the snow bunting occurring at Asilomar State Beach.
The Nelson’s sparrow is a smallish bird that breeds mainly in marshes in the northern Great Plains and along the northern Atlantic Coast. These birds typically winter along the gulf coast, although their distribution maps do show a presence in some locations in California. This bird would nestle down in the tall grass adjacent to the beach and then make forays into the beach wrack to forage on the abundance of insects.
We were present at Mott Training Center to assist with the instruction of the emergency medical technician class and were fortunate to experience the fanfare regarding the presence of these two birds. At the time of writing of the article, both birds were still present and continuing to feed on the beach at Asilomar.
California Citrus State Historic Park Celebrates Dia de los Muertos
Story and photos from: Marymar Mendoza and Samantha Alonso, Inland Empire District
 Top and bottom left: Park visitors wrote a memory of their loved ones on a butterfly and shared it on our remembrance tree. Right: Altar at the park.
California Citrus State Historic Park (SHP) was happy to take part in the celebration of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on October 29 and 30.
Día de Los Muertos is a celebration of life in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It is a day in which families honor and remember family members who have passed away and takes place each year on November 1 and 2. Traditionally, families take part in these festivities by visiting and decorating the gravesites of their loved ones. At home, families get to together to adorn altars with photographs of the deceased, marigolds, candles, food, bread and treasured belongings.
Event attendees to California Citrus SHP were able to participate in fun Día de Los Muertos activities like making your own calaverita (skull) puppet and sugar skull mask, coloring an alebrije (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures) and contributing to our community chalk ofrenda (altar). Visitors also were treated with some delicious citrus fruit samples from our very own varietal groves.
We would like to thank our park maintenance staff and volunteers, Park Manager Enrique Arroyo and Park Interpreter III Teri Pope for their wonderful support in making this weekend event a success.
 Top and bottom left: Families making their very own calaverita and sugar skull masks. Bottom right: Park visitors writing down the name and a memory of their loved ones in our community chalk ofrenda.
 Visitors enjoying some delicious Murcott mandarins.
Latino Outdoors Participate in Guided Hike at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Story and photos from: Scott Shepherd, Santa Cruz District.
 Latino Outdoors Guides Brian Israel Rodrigues Delgado (left), Latino Outdoors Guide Jennifer Adams (center) and Latino Outdoors participant Brenda Riveros (right).
California State Parks interpretive staff facilitated a guided hike at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (SP) on Sunday, November 13, for 20 participants with the Bay Area chapter of Latino Outdoors, whose mission is to "inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented."
During their visit to Henry Cowell Redwoods SP, Latino Outdoors participants were guided by California State Park Interpreters Leslie Reyes and Steven Ellmore through the Sand Hills section of the park. Often called the "Galapagos Islands" of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the sand hills provide habitat for a plethora of endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
This event is just one of many the Santa Cruz District interpretive team is working on to increase equitable and sustainable access to California state parks for all Californians. Be sure to visit the Santa Cruz District YouTube channel in the coming weeks to learn more about these types of programs being facilitated across Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties with California state parks.
 Top: Group photo of Latino Outdoors participants. Bottom right: Interpreter Steven Ellmore and Latino Outdoors participant Steven McDaniels. Bottom left: Interpreter Leslie Reyes presents to Latino Outdoor participants.
  Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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